Villa Mangiacane

Location.Set on a hilltop amidst vineyards, olive groves and Tuscan forest, the Villa Mangiacane is an elegant, renovated 16th-century villa located five kilometres from San Casciano and 12 kilometres from Florence. Florence Vespucci Airport is 25 kilometres away, and takes approximately 30 minutes to reach by car. Hotel Features.The 16th-century villa is rumoured to be designed in part by Michelangelo, and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves where wine and olive oil are made. The hotel offers tours, tasting sessions and Tuscan cookery lessons, and also features restored frescoes, 15th-century antiques, and an outdoor pool set amidst gardens with African sculptures. Other amenities include bicycles, hire hot-air balloon rides, a hotel library, complimentary onsite parking and a multilingual concierge service.

The Villa Mangiacane offers a range of Mediterranean and international dishes served in a variety of locations. Light lunches are served al fresco in either the main Loggia or around the pool, and dinner is served in either the main dining room, the Vinoteque Cellar or around the fire in the Olive Oil Kitchen.

Expert Tip.San Gimignano, located 60 kilometres from the hotel, is a hill-top town famous for its distinctive medieval towers. Further highlights include the Collegiata (cathedral) and Sant'Agostino, home to artworks by major Renaissance artists.

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Driving Directions: Getting there.The hotel organises transfers from the airport for a fee. Alternatively buses run or taxis, costing approximately 40 EUR to the hotel, are available. The centre of San Casciano can be explored on foot. A car is advisable for those travelling further afield.

Driving directions.From the airport take the A11 (following the green signs) and exit for the A1. Head south towards Rome and take the second exit for Firenze Certosa. Continue on the SS2 towards Tavarnuzze (avoiding the superstrada Firenze-Siena). Pass through Tavarnuzze until a crossroad on the right with a little bridge, located just after the Scopeti Restaurant and the sign for S. Andrea in Percussina. Continue along this road (Via Scopeti) for approximately three kilometres, through the S. Andrea in Percussina, until a stop sign. Turn right and the hotel is on the right. Take the first driveway on the right.